COVID-19: Market Leader Appeals To Traders Over Hike In Prices Of Food Items

The Iyalaje General of Lagos, Chief Mrs. Toyin Afolabi, has appealed to traders in open markets especially those who deal in foodstuff and essential products not to exploit residents by hiking the prices of their goods.

Afolabi said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Lagos in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Checks revealed that there have been hikes in the prices of foodstuff all over the state.

Residents have been lamenting the soaring prices of foodstuffs following the lockdown announced by the state government to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Investigations revealed that this situation is also caused by the restriction of vehicular across the boundary of the states, which has affected movement of food items from neighbouring states.

But Iyalaje said; “We need to appeal to our traders to show residents some understanding. We are in trying times. People are struggling to survive, so we should not compound their problems. We should therefore be our brothers’ keepers by not increasing the prices of foodstuffs.

“Sadly, some have even increased the price of pure water. This is bad, and should not be encouraged. We also hear they have increased the price of garri; this will not affect the rich and mighty in the society. It is the vulnerable and less privileged that will be affected.

” I, therefore, plead with my people; the market women and the traders to consider the plight of more importantly the less privileged, who are mostly hit by this lockdown.

“We would surely make our profits when this season is over.”

While commenting on the palliatives provided by the state government, the Idumota based fabric merchant praised the efforts of the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the way he has handled the challenge posed by the scourge in the state and for providing the less privileged with palliative measures, to cushion the effect of the pandemic.

“This is a laudable initiative that should be commended. We are also willing to be part of this initiative in our localities.

“We would not leave the government alone to handle the fall-out, ” she said.

She also commended the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi and his team for their prompt interventions since the scourge began.